In line with Delta Recon's promise to make the clinic an ongoing exercise, we are planning to do the next phase.  In the first clinic, we tried to cover as much of the vehicular basics and trail concerns that an offroader must possess.  This time, we'd like to ask the potential and previous participants what they might want the clinic to consist of.  this way, we can plan a proper venue that possesses the characteristics you are looking for.  By the way, i noticed that it seems to be raining a little more often these days.  Mud techniques might be a good exercise.  (Any excuse to get muddy is always a good excuse!!hehehe) Seriously, please let us know what topics you guys want to tackle so that we can prepare for it.  Also state potential dates for this clinic.  I will finalize once we decide the most appropriate time for the majority.  Happy Trails!

Wolvie,

Lets add basic recovery techniques here. I'll help out.

I will also include a new batch of offroaders - 5 vehicles. Whom I baptized 2 weekends ago in Jungle Base. They're ripe for phase II.

tutal kayo na rin nagsabi sir wolverine na it's raining a little these days, then why not go for mud techniques and recovery.

i'm pretty sure, someone would need recovering in the mud  

getting stuck in a little mud would be thrilling, wag lang yun lulubog yun buong sasakyan  

so when is the next clinic?

  If Mud, then TIRE CHAINS IS A MUST ! Not been to Gandara.....

  Magkano nga ba tire chain for the rear tires ?

  I like that, mud obstacle..... if my sched permits, sama ko dyan....

Quote from: the driver on May 12, 2003, 05:52:25 PM

  If Mud, then TIRE CHAINS IS A MUST ! Not been to Gandara.....

  Magkano nga ba tire chain for the rear tires ?

  I like that, mud obstacle..... if my sched permits, sama ko dyan....

Lets try to avoid tire chains for mud. They really tear up the track and are banned by the global Tread Lightly program.

Wolverine set a tentative date to get the ball rolling.

  Wolverine, on our first clinic has introduced the use of tire chains...... not aware that it is not allowed.

  No problem.....

Wolverine set a tentative date to get the ball rolling.

Quote

Yeah Wolf give us a date dude.

...everytime i see the weather report and see clouds flashing over the philippines i get reminded of this thread.    i think mud is what everybody wants and how to get out of it!

hope our schedules permit....

Saw the comment about tire chains and have to respond to the various queries.....
Firstly, the chains are available at Gandara and they sell for about P1500 - P1800 for a pair.  If you intend to purchase them, please bring the intended tire that it will be mounted on so that they can fit it properly.  There is nothing worse than ill fitting chains  

As for Ronin's comment regarding the environmental impact of chains........
It is true that chains really make a significant imprint on the terrain.  This is why some individuals advocate the use of mud tires instead.  I am fully aware of the stand that environmentalists propose.....They also say red meat is bad for your colon!!! hehehe!  i listen to them each time I eat a really juicy burger!! but seriously...

If you guys remember what I said in the clinic, you will note that i suggested that you use mud tires for offroading.  I then said, that if you really must use All Terrain tires, I would keep a pair of chains with me so that i can get unstuck when the mud gets nasty.  

While I am aware of how chains can leave a visible track on the trail, i am also keenly aware of the kind of mess an all terrain tire will do when all it does is spin in the mud.  I feel that this actually has more impact on the terrain because it creates pot holes.  One must remember that these implements are going to be used in serious situations where the trail, in all likelihood, already looks like a shit sandwich.

I stand by my recommendation to all the participants in the clinic.  If you plan to go offroading in muddy terrain and your tires ARE NOT designed for mud, bring a set  of chains.  Or bring a tent and camp overnight and wait til the trail dries up.  I use Simex Jungle Trekkers and they are probably one of the most effective mud tires out there (especially for the type of clayish mud we have).  Nonetheless, I still have a pair of chains when I know it's going to be nasty.  By the simplest laws of physics, no mud tire can outperform a chain in a purely mud scenario.  Chained tires never turn into gumballs.

Lest Ronin think that I have turned into an irresponsible trail fiend, I must repeat this....I do not advocate that you guys rip up the countryside using chains.  i'm just saying that a thinking offroader arms himself with every conceivable advantage and uses it at the appropriate time if he plans to get to the trail's end and back.

As to when the clinic will be.........why don't we let it rain just a little more so the trails will be exactly how we want them to be.  I'm thinking in about 2-3 weeks if the schedules allow.  How about you guys throw some possible dates on the board.

A friend of mine tried using chains on his AT tires, and believe me, it's surprisingly more effective than mud terrain tires.

BTW I also advocate tread lightly, therefore I only use it when neccessary as I believe spinning your tires digging ruts is worse than using tire chain.

 Ronin,

 As what the professor Wolvie has said, it would only be used on difficult and critical situations. I STILL GOT TO HAVE A SET.

 I also love all type of natural resources the same way you do.

 Wolvie,

 Need to have a date so we can plan and prepare very credible EXCUSES... you know what I mean...

 the driver

I too can swear by the effectiveness of chains. The added traction is terrific and cannot be rivaled by any mud tire. I used to use chains on my 33" mud terrains when I did not have any diff locks.

Disadvantages of tire chains is : the slight difficulty and time consumed when installing them, a tendency to come off the tire, and if you are on a trail with a "medley" of mud and hard surfaces then you may be constantly removing and installing the chains.

I also agree that an all terrain or highway terrain tire can also mess up the terrain.

For this matter, mud terrain tires and only mud terrain tires must be a prerequisite for the trail driver's ride.

As I stated before, we must avoid using chains. But when the situation calls for it, then by all means employ them.

  I absolutely agree with Ronin !  Mud tire is a must on this Mud Trail !

 

However, for this clinic - Mud Terrains are recommended but not required! With the right conditions and technique, you will be able to overcome mud with your all terrain tires.